MSNBC host Chris Hayes has highlighted a pattern of sports teams and events experiencing negative outcomes after receiving attention from former President Donald Trump, suggesting a "curse" or a "reverse Midas touch."
Hayes noted an instance involving the FIFA World Cup where Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino after U.S. player Folarin Balogun received a red card. The decision was subsequently overturned. Hayes suggested this intervention backfired, as Belgian players mocked Trump on social media after defeating the U.S. team.
This pattern, Hayes argued, extends beyond sports to "pretty much everything he touches politically," citing examples like the demolition of the White House East Wing, the renovation of the Reflecting Pool, and a poorly attended state fair. However, he asserted that the impact appeared "much more pronounced" on sports teams.
As a recent example, Hayes pointed to Trump's visit to Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks had been on a historic playoff run with 13 consecutive wins, often by large margins. According to Hayes, Trump's appearance at the game coincided with the snapping of this winning streak, and it was the only game the Knicks lost in the finals series, despite going on to win the championship.
Hayes stated that while he doesn't know if it's a "curse," the phenomenon appears to be recurring. He suggested that Trump's involvement with sports teams has frequently preceded negative results.